The Koyambedu to Kilambakkam bus is MTC’s 70V from the CMBT bus stand, one of three routes MTC listed from CMBT to the Kilambakkam terminus (KCBT), on a 28.1 km line that ends just past the terminus at Guduvanchery. A full-length city-bus ticket on GST Road costs under Rs 25, and the metro-plus-bus option starts at Rs 30 for the rail leg.
The numbers
Government buses for the south now leave from the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus at Kilambakkam, not Koyambedu, so many travellers have to cross between the two. The choice is a direct MTC bus, the metro with a bus at the end, or a suburban train for the last stretch.
This guide uses the MTC route data on the Spirit of Chennai route pages, which carry stop lists and average frequencies. Those frequency figures are averages and may be dated, so check live timings in the Chennai One app or with MTC before you set out, especially late in the evening.
Koyambedu to Kilambakkam bus routes from CMBT
When KCBT opened at the end of 2023, MTC named three routes from CMBT to the new terminus: 70V, 70C and 104CCT, with an average gap of 5 to 15 minutes between them, DT Next reported from the corporation’s list.
The 70V route page shows the line starting at C.M.B.T. and running to K.K. Nagar bus stand, Jaffarkhanpet and CIPET, then joining GST Road at St Thomas Mount. It then follows GST Road through the airport, Tambaram and Vandalur to Urapakkam and Guduvanchery. The page gives 21 stops over 28.1 km and an average gap of about 45 minutes, a much thinner service than the 2023 list suggests, which is one reason to check the app.
The KCBT stop is not named on the older route pages. Southern Railway’s February 2024 notice places the terminus between Vandalur and Urapakkam, which is the stretch every one of these GST Road routes passes, and buses heading to the terminus show Kilambakkam or KCBT on the destination board.
From Vadapalani, G70 is the better bet: 19 stops over 33 km via Jaffarkhanpet and Guindy to Guduvanchery, about every 19 minutes on its route page.
| Option | Where you board | Route or line | What the data shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct MTC bus | CMBT bus stand | 70V | 28.1 km, 21 stops, about 45 min average gap |
| Direct MTC bus | Vadapalani bus stand | G70 | 33 km, 19 stops, about 19 min average gap |
| Metro then bus | CMBT metro station | Green Line to St Thomas Mount | Rs 30 single fare, then any GST Road bus south |
| Train then bus | Tambaram | Beach–Chengalpattu suburban line | Get off at Vandalur or Urapakkam |
Source: MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route pages; CMRL fare table updated 9 October 2026; Southern Railway, 24 February 2024. Gaps are averages and may be dated.
Fare and journey time
MTC does not publish a single CMBT-to-KCBT fare on its site, and the 70V route page lists none. For a comparable distance, the 21G page shows a full-route ordinary fare of Rs 17 and an express fare of Rs 25 for its 33.6 km run, with a Rs 6 minimum. AC and deluxe buses cost more: MTC’s deluxe fare table under G.O. 48 of 2018 runs from Rs 11 at the first stage to Rs 49 at the last, plus a Rs 1 cess.
MTC gives no end-to-end time for 70V. The 21G route page puts its 33.6 km Broadway to Tambaram run at 85 to 95 minutes, so allow at least as long for CMBT to KCBT at busy times.
The top deluxe-bus fare on MTC’s own fare table, the most you should pay on a city bus to KCBT, plus the Rs 1 cess.
Metro and suburban train alternatives
The metro avoids the worst of the road. From the CMBT metro station on the Green Line, the CMRL fare table lists Rs 30 to St Thomas Mount or Alandur and Rs 40 to the airport station. From either, take a GST Road bus south.
A suburban train is the third route. Southern Railway extended five evening Beach-line locals to Guduvanchery from 26 February 2024 to serve KCBT passengers, its press release said; those timings may have changed. The nearest working stations today are Vandalur and Urapakkam, a short bus or auto ride from the terminus.
A dedicated Kilambakkam station across GST Road is close to completion but was not open when we checked. Railway officials said in August that platform work was largely done and opening was likely around Deepavali, with the skywalk to the bus terminus about 30% complete, DT Next reported.
It’s often said you can take one train straight from Koyambedu to Kilambakkam.
The record shows Koyambedu is on the metro, not the suburban rail line. You need the metro to St Thomas Mount or a bus to Tambaram before any train, and the Kilambakkam station itself had not opened at last report.
Luggage and late evenings
MTC’s luggage rules allow up to 5 kg free, charge Rs 10 or one fare (whichever is higher) for 5 to 20 kg, and Rs 20 or two fares above 20 kg. Luggage is not allowed in peak hours, so a big suitcase at 9 a.m. may be refused.
Late at night, MTC’s 2023 list named night services from CMBT, Vadapalani and Tambaram, but no current timetable is published, so confirm in the app first.
What this means for you
- Board 70V at CMBT or G70 at Vadapalani; both pass the Vandalur to Urapakkam stretch where KCBT sits.
- With heavy bags, avoid the morning and evening peaks: MTC’s rules bar luggage then.
- The metro to St Thomas Mount (Rs 30) plus a GST Road bus is often quicker in traffic.
- Check the destination board says Kilambakkam or KCBT, not only Guduvanchery or Tambaram.
Quick answers
Which bus goes from Koyambedu to Kilambakkam?
MTC route 70V from CMBT is the main direct bus; MTC also listed 70C and 104CCT from CMBT when KCBT opened.
How much is the bus fare from Koyambedu to Kilambakkam?
MTC does not publish a single figure. A comparable full-length GST Road ordinary ticket is Rs 17 and express Rs 25; deluxe and AC buses cost up to Rs 49 plus cess.
How long does Koyambedu to Kilambakkam take by bus?
MTC gives no fixed time. A similar 33.6 km run on 21G is listed at 85 to 95 minutes, so allow 90 minutes or more in traffic.
Is there a metro from Koyambedu to Kilambakkam?
No. Take the Green Line from CMBT to St Thomas Mount (Rs 30) and continue by bus down GST Road.
Is Kilambakkam railway station open?
It was not open when we checked on 31 October 2026. Use Vandalur or Urapakkam stations until Southern Railway announces an opening.
What to watch
Around Deepavali
Railway officials have said the Kilambakkam suburban station could open around Deepavali; the skywalk across GST Road was still under way in August.
Pending
MTC has not published an updated stop list and timetable for 70V as an AC electric route; check the Chennai One app for live trips.
Checked against official sources on 31 October 2026. Timings and fares change; confirm on the operator’s booking site before you travel.
Sources
- Route 70V: CMBT to Guduvanchery via Vandalur (MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route page)
- Route G70: Vadapalani to Guduvanchery (MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route page)
- Route 21G: Broadway to Tambaram (MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route page)
- Details of MTC services to Kilambakkam bus stand released (DT Next, 30 December 2023)
- Kilambakkam railway station likely to open around Deepavali (DT Next, 15 August 2026)
- Fares: Night Services (Deluxe) and luggage rules, G.O. (Ms.) No. 48 of 2018 (Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Chennai)
- Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Ltd: home page and free travel notices (Government of Tamil Nadu)
- CMRL fare table, last updated 9 October 2026 (Chennai Metro Rail Ltd)
- Extension of EMU services to Guduvancheri for Kilambakkam bus terminus passengers, press release of 24 February 2024 (Southern Railway, Chennai Division)
